Does TWO wrong make ONE right?

Its always intriguing to ponder does two wrong make one right? Because it seems that at certain point in our society, logical thinking don't really happen esp if the scenario is in politics. One person who builds a mansion in Klang and scoundrel the people's money is only let off with warning and in fact, just got off like that due to his sudden demise (some say 'let it be since he is already dead') or some leader in Penang who belittle other races in a state where other races are the majority but gets welcome in party meeting with glamour and triumphant kompang beats as a HERO of their race although being suspended by the central party while ON THE OTHER HAND,others who just mention their views are being dump into ISA or being threatened with life bullets sent to their address and at times, career being burnt due to concrete finding such as the ASLI incident few years back (I'm unable to comprehend esp since we're educated to argue cases based on facts and figure).

Coming to my point of the day, it is reported (The Star, 6 Apr 09-Better voice in government with a Chinese Deputy PM, says Wee) that certain "friend" in the Ally has suggested that a post of Deputy PM and Deputy Chairman of BN be created for a certain race to 'forge' better representation while "friends" (Malaysiakini.com, DPM-to-be coy over 2nd DPM proposal)from the so ever mighty keris party of the coalition (coz they control everything, although not admitting)either refuse to be drawn into speculation or having denial syndrome out of sudden. (funny how Malaysian politicians work with each other huh..)

My point is like this:
1) Was it right for Friend C to suggest establishing a post?
2) Was it proper for Friend M to retaliate as such?

Point 1: As someone who holds strongly in One Malaysia or Bangsa Malaysia as its famously known, I hold steadfast to my believe that Malaysia can only move forward as a nation when race based politics are in the bin(debatable question whether a race based system can work. Therefore, creating a post specifically for just another race ain't moving in that direction; in fact, it confirms that our leaders are not doing what they preach on podiums during Merdeka celebration or speaking to global community. I would only support this suggestion if it were out of a portfolio urgency or due to creating a special task force to forge unity once and for all in our land.

Point 2: Having said the above, I would also strongly advocate that the reactions given by Friend M are also very childish and immature, thus confirming my doubt in the coalition is a big happy family. Some say its a political gimmick played by Friend C to be a populist, a fighter for their own race (isn't that Friend's M all time favourite weapon anyway), cashing in on the timing as Najib clings on to power etc. All failed to see that the issue of race is still a ticking time bomb, awaiting some idiot to trigger it. All friend M seems to be doing, is either deny it or reply its not important to discuss for the moment and there are bigger task at hand.

HELLO!!! We've been trying to tackle race-based issue since Independence. What else is more important than true unity and for Malaysians to unite??? Damn.. They are still too selfish to attempt on this delicate discussion.

The issue is how to get this country we all will pour our blood (tanah tumpah-nya darah KU)to look into each others eyes with love, compassion, understanding not compromising, and build sense of patriotism that not only 'menjelma' during Merdeka month on posters and slogans but is SHINING throughout the whole year on Tanah Melayu.

It has been far too long we allow lip service on UNITY..It has been far too long race and religion is being suppress to be practise in true freedom..It has been far too long citizens are kept un-informed of our politician-leader's true intention..It has been far too long Malaysians have kept quiet..It has been far too long Malaysians remain dormant and 'tidak apa'..It DEFINITELY has been a long long 50 years of sliding backwards.

TWO wrong definitely doesn't make ONE right!! Therefore, we as a nation has to ensure that the government works for its people and not the people become slaves to its elected representatives...

p/s If you're a book lover, may I suggest reading "the clash of civilization and the remaking of world order" by Samuel P. Huntington

Reformis to Go NUDE..

When I first read about Reformis applying for a nude protest, the first question that came through my naive mind was, even if the police gave them the permit, I wonder whether they will keep to their word and strip??

In Malaysian context, to even walk in the streets shirtless would have been obscene and most probably if its my female counterpart, the police would have brought you into lockup as its said to disturb the society at large since we're 'conservative', not like Western societies.

Nonetheless, its my personal believe that this would yet be another political 'sandiwara'. I would definitely want those who refute my claim to prove that if all things failed and none of the demands made by Reformis are materialise, Reformis will really strip nude in protest. Why even bother putting 'lee way' or escape route like "We wanted a police permit to strip in front of the State Secretariat as a sign of protest but we were denied it, so, now we will stalk the Mentri Besar and go butt naked when we get the chance,” said movement president Ramlan Abu Bakar.

Just strip in public in protest to show your dissatisfaction. It would get you on front page anyway. Unless like I said earlier, its all just a show or putting some spices into our dull Malaysian robotic life where everything is in denial and scandal as claimed by people on TOP!!

Just to add somemore spice to all this wayang kulit also, please ensure some religious body are present when Reformis strip. Because at that time, the whole strip protest would turn into a religious issue too. You would have some religiously upright person or Pak Imam criticising on their act ('their' meaning the Muslim involve; I'm assuming that Reformis are made out of Malay member only) which are un-Islamic and the show goes on.

I wonder how much more longer could the sane and responsible Malaysians take all this nonsense that's happening. Once in awhile, we appreciate some 'spices' in our dull life but at certain point in time, don't these guys have better methods or alternative to solve problems/complications??

Having said all those above, its my sincere hope that our present Government and Opposition take to heart that WE the laymen are getting upset with all these nonsense. Please don't test our patience or we-the younger generation-will arise and ensure that your 'empire' of 51 years will crumble. That is our promise!!

HIDUP MALAYSIA!! And LONG LIVE MALAYSIANS!!

May the good LORD bless our little step to betterment (CHANGE sounds too cliche in today's context)

Who cares if Anwar is just another Pinocchio?

The following article is written by someone who is my senior in UM, as I was told. His name is Mr. Khoo Kay Peng and here is one article written by him which I would like very much to share. For creditability, it's taken from malaysiakini.com.

Khoo Kay Peng | Sep 26, 08 5:22pm
Some people are too fixated with deadlines and Anwar Ibrahim. It does not matter if a change of government does not happen on 16/9, 23/9 or 1/10. It does not matter if Anwar is just another Pinocchio. Even if Anwar becomes the next prime minister, he will not be able wish away our problems instantaneously.

MCPX

There is no short cut to solve our political and socio-economic problems. Instead of arguing on the dates, it is best for Malaysians to work together to set the agenda for the next prime minister and his administration.

If Anwar fails to take over government, do we abandon our desire for change? The movement for change is not about Anwar or his party alone. It is about our desire to make our country a fairer and better place to live in. Anwar as prime minister or Najib as prime minister will have to deliver the exact same results for the society. Nothing less.

We cannot ignore this momentum for change. Since the Mar 8 General Election, many more Malaysians now believe a change for the better is not something remotely impossible. Those elites who rule this country at their whims and fancies will soon have to realise that the right to govern comes with a huge responsibility to deliver goodness for the society.

We should not argue over dates. It does not matter if a change of government materialises on 16/9, 23/9 or 1/10. The reality is a change has begun and it is impossible for this momentum to be rolled back. Any coalition governing this country knows that it cannot again rest on its laurels.

Shouldn't we then work together to set the next agenda for the new administration? Surely, whoever leads the country must ensure that Malaysia flourishes on the rule of law. In the light of the current abuse of draconian law such as ISA, we should call for the repeal of all draconian laws which trample on universal human rights.

A loud signal should be sent to the next PM that we cannot tolerate a home minister like Syed Hamid Albar, who despite his legal qualification, is totally clueless about fundamental human rights. A person like him must not be given a full access to absolute discretionary power.

Next, we want to reinstate judicial review to provide a necessary check-and-balance on unlimited ministerial power. Separation of power is key to a healthy democracy. Anwar or Najib must be committed to reviewing the ministerial power.

Anwar is committed to abolishing the ISA. Is Najib willing to do the same?

A key point to the agenda is the imminent review of the New Economy Policy. This policy was introduced as a result of the outcome of the inclusive Goodwill Council. Clearly, after 38 years of its implementation, the policy has failed to close the intra-community income gap especially among the Malay-Bumiputeras.

Dr Mahathir, in one his blog posts, admitted the problem of giving contracts to a selective few because of the non-performance of Bumiputera companies. Those who are allocated equity shares tend to sell them off for quick money. By selling down, the Malay equity shareholding will forever be below the desired 30 percent level.

If the NEP is not fixed and its abuses curbed, local investors will be deterred to invest locally. A continuous outflow of funds affects domestic job creation, economic growth and industrial development.

Is Najib prepared to review the NEP which is a sacred cow of his party? Anwar has promised to abolish the NEP and replace it with his New Malaysia Agenda despite being accused of negating Malay rights. Current implementation of the NEP is detrimental to Malay rights.

After nearly 51 years of independence and hundreds of years of co-existence, the next PM should strive to unite all races in order to create a truly fair and equitable Bangsa Malaysia. Political rhetoric must be carefully managed to reduce racial frictions. Rightly, the curtain should come down on race-based politics.

Continuing to harp on Malay supremacy or the controversial social contract is not going to take this multiracial society forward. Are we not ready to move forward just because politicians claim that we are not? Malaysians should decide their own fate and not allow a bunch of self-centered politicians to do it for us. A united Malaysia is better than one which emphasises race divisions.

Now, can we agree to lose our fixation with dates and focus on the next agenda? Malaysians must show that we are dead serious about change. Most people are resistant to change including you and me. But change we must in order to build a Malaysia where everyone with the right skills, determination, talent and creativity can flourish.

Otherwise, we should blame our shallowness.

Why is Najib apologising on behalf?

Click above to read on Haris Ibrahim's posting or read below, except taken from malaysiakini.com:

VoxPop: 'Why is Najib apologising?'
Sep 3, 08 10:40am
On
Ahmad-bashing continues

Stephen Ng: Bukit Bendera Umno division head, Ahmad Ismail who made a racist remark recently during the Permatang Pauh by-election campaign did not apologise. Instead, it was the Deputy Prime Minister, Najib Razak, who made a public apology on behalf of Umno.
It is not an understatement to say that all Malaysians abhor the racist remarks made by Ahmad in his capacity as Umno divisional chief and for him to claim that he did not mean what he had uttered is as good as saying that his words and actions were that of an underaged person.
As a divisional leader, Ahmad should be personally responsible for the remarks that he had made, and we urge the deputy prime minister as the BN whip to take disciplinary action against Ahmad.

As an observer of Malaysia’s political drama, I am impressed by Anwar Ibrahim’s reprimand of the Penang deputy chief minister as well as the sacking of the Selangor menteri besar’s aide over allegations of improper conduct. It shows that no one is spared the axe if a wrong is done.
On the contrary, the nation has seen how the former state assemblyman of Selangor, the late Zakaria Md Deros, escaped any form of disciplinary action after a controversy involving him and his family was revealed.

I cannot help but urge Najib to exercise his authority as BN whip. The unhappiness expressed by the Chinese in Malaysia cannot be placated by an apology by Najib. Ahmad as divisional chief should take personal responsibility for his seditious comments.
The sad part is that he had uttered these words in the presence of the DPM and under the watchful eyes of the police as well.


Nantha Kumar: Well, proof that the Umno-led Barisan Nasional government practices racism has finally been revealed. What is the prime minister going to say now after all his talk of unity and respect for people regardless of race or religion?

His own party is now talking about racism. This is the main reason why the Barisan ship is sinking and very soon it will be gone. To Umno, please stop stirring up such negative sentiments. People are sick and tired of your political double-talk and hypocrisy.


MILLIONTH CITIZEN: So, Mr PM, the rakyat is waiting to see what action you are going to take against Ahmad Ismail for making such inflammatory racist remarks. Many police reports have been lodged by various parties on the matter. Don’t tell me you are going to remain silent? What action are you going to take to correct this racist man?

Such racist arrogance can only be displayed by Umno. Where is Ahmad? Why isn’t he explaining himself? Has his bravado deserted him now that he is in trouble? Come out and defend yourself. We, the rakyat, are waiting for an explanation.


Chuacj: The prime minister said Ahmad did not mean what he said. Does this mean the issue should be swept under the carpet?

In the world of Umno, if you take a gun and shot somebody, will there be no case if you say you didn’t mean to commit murder? If Ahmad didn’t mean his words, there are only two explanations as to why he made the remarks.

Firstly, it was an honest opinion straight from the heart. This means the words just came out from his mouth without going through his brain. If this is the case, then Ahmad is a very dangerous man as he is full of hatred. Just think want will happen if he has more power.
Secondly, he purposely played up racial sentiments to pit the various races against each other. If this is the case, shouldn’t he be charged under the Internal Security Act?


Pendatang/Squatter/Immigrant: This is an appeal Lee Chong Wei. As described by a prominent politician, you are an immigrant. You did not represent your country to win a silver medal at the Olympics. The medal you won is worthless.

Maybe you should send that medal elsewhere, where it will be appreciated. Winning a medal means nothing if your country does not recognise and appreciate you for it. And I don’t mean plying you with money and gifts.


Eileen: I come from a kampung where the Chinese and Malays lived side by side in harmony. I remember during Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji, our kitchen would be full of kuih, ketupat and beef curry.

And during Chinese New Year, my mother would be busy making tons of kuih bakul for all our Malay friends.

During the local fruits season, our house would be full of rambutan, mangosteen and durians, fresh from the backyards of our Malay friends.

We were all very naive and lived happily together. We didn't know what racism was until ‘ambitious’ politicians introduced it to our lives when they came to our village to canvass for support. They used racist policies to pit us against each other in order to cling on to power.
For the past 51 years, politicians have been poisoning us. This was especially evident during the March general election and the recent Permatang Pauh by-election.

After 51 long years of struggle, is it too much to ask that we all get along and respect each other? I hope the rakyat will bury their differences and give Anwar Ibrahim a chance to lead Malaysia forward.

Are we ready for Inter-faith Dialogue?

With all the tsunami that hits our shores and cast HOPE for the nation to truly have a chance to revamp itself from the baggages that were laid by the wave in the form of 'dacing' that never left the shores, I believe the nation at this time is going through a very interesting period.

Reform is and never will be a comfortable for all-that's why it is called reform. Nonetheless, let me clarify that the reform I am talking about is definitely not about shouting in the streets and throwing water bottles at each other like cave man in pre-historic times (oh ya, cave man didn't have water bottles right? So, maybe stone??)

Reform I am referring to come in terms of inteliectual discourse where civilise human beings regardless of his or her up-bringing and teaching are able to sit together and talk about issues pertaining to socio development and let thoughts fly around. Spoken with humulity and humbleness while accepted with good faith.

Time to throw away the 'rubbish' that we are being fed and told to hear and obey for half a century. Read the article below which I stumble upon or click here to read


The future of our interfaith dialogue


The incident of the aborted Bar Council forum was a good example how we will continue to approach inter-faith dialogue. There is vision in chaos, creation in destruction, and opportunities in threats.
---Azly Rahman

dr.azly.rahman@gmail.com
http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/

Must engaging in dialogue on religion be painful? Must it be greeted with hostility? Or is it a moot question—that the answer lies in what we failed to have done through our education system, decades ago?

I have faith that we will one day be ready to appreciate interfaith dialogue. On this note, I too believe that we will one day appreciate philosophical discussions and scientific debates. My experience conducting interfaith dialogue every semester in the American classroom setting gives me the assurance that we will be ready. It would be good to one day know that our corridors of academia are filled with passionate discussions on the self, the universe, God, and fate of humanity.

The core of each religious foundation is there for us to explore and to learn from. We need to escape from being trapped in the particular and liberate ourselves into explorers of the universal. Of course this will take time given the nature of class and caste system we are in; developments that have impacted upon our consciousness. But evolve we must, if we are to see a progressive country emerging out of these ruins of communal politics, immorality of modern capitalism, and persistent religious misunderstandings. Ignorance is the greatest enemy of knowledge, as the sage Socrates once said.

What is interfaith dialogue?

The incident of the aborted Bar Council forum was a good example how we will continue to approach inter-faith dialogue. There is vision in chaos, creation in destruction, and opportunities in threats. Educators of peace and social justice must not give up. In a country in which we have for example Center for Civilizational Dialogue in Universiti Malaya, and in a country wanting to be known as a "moderate country with a Muslim majority", we are seeing contradictions. It will get uglier if we fail to reflect upon the means and methods of religious dialogue. We do not know much what each one of us believes in and what are the rituals and practices of our neighbours. We do not know what scripture they read, let alone the meaning of the prayers, the doa, zikir, the pujas, and the mantras. We lack the knowledge of the fundamentals. This is understandable – fear governs our consciousness and directs our actions and ultimately reproduces itself inter-generationally. Religion is a "sensitive" issue, they say--- which needs desensitization, I would contend.

Back to the protests on the Bar Council forum. It is a misrepresentation of what Muslims are and a reflection of how we have approached not only dialogue on religion but also on other "sensitive issues" as well. In this environment and in this regime where exploitation of issues are orchestrated by opportunists at the expense of peaceful dialogue, we will always be at the losing end of education for critical consciousness and for peace.We must go back to the drawing board of our approach to teaching religion in terms of curricular design and how to juxtapose or even infuse it with core idea of humanism and rationalism. This will take another few decades given the complexity of our society and how it has evolved in line with the "half-bakedness" of hypermodernity.Here in the United States, I have just finished teaching two summer classes on "Religions of the World" and Introduction to Religion" in a college where I have also been asked, for the last three years, to teach "Islamic Scriptures".

I find it liberating to conduct classes after classes in which my students not only are American and foreign-born Muslims but also Jews, Christians, Catholic, Buddhists, Hindus, Atheists, Agnostics, and even Pagan. At the end of each semester, they have a different perception of each other -- more in-depth understanding of what could have remained antagonistic. We read the Quran and the Hadiths and look at the scriptures from a hermeneutic perspective, situate it in the present and projecting it into the future. Most often, our discussions on jihad evolved into a reflection on the struggles for the human self to explore suffering, violence, and liberation in all religious traditions. It includes passionate discussions on media representation of the concept.

Dialogue in Malaysia?

I often wonder if what I am doing is possible in Malaysia but I certainly have the confidence and hope that given the most peaceful way to approach it, a lot can be gained. Essentially religious dialogue need not be painful. It ought to help foster deep understanding and dispel misconception of ANY religion. It ought to make us become deeply religious and to learn to explore what others believe, to respect them, to learn from the universal themes of spirituality, and ultimately to contemplate our existence within the context of the struggle between Good and Evil and to evolve as more ethical and rational beings – so that we may participate better as political and social beings..I believe we need to revamp undergraduate foundation courses in our public and private to include one that teaches the classics of the thoughts of the Eastern and Western tradition and the scriptures of the major religions. But then again, our university students are not even allowed to be involved in politics and to engage freely in public forum on political matters – how might this be possible with interfaith dialogue then?We have a long walk to mental freedom and to a philosophical understanding of Islam and other religions. Unfortunately we are now known as people who are good at disrupting dialogues. I hope this perception will change.

But then again, education is about hope, peace, empathy, intelligence, and liberation -- these we must use as a basis for a new design once we see major restructuring efforts under way, undertaken perhaps via a new political, social, and educational arrangement.

Let us look at possibilities in interfaith dialogue.

Let education for peace and justice do that.

[NOTE: I have gathered some background materials on various major religion as on my website http://azlyrahman-illuminations.blogspot.com/. Please scroll down to the very end]

Political Revival or Another Political Tsunami

As I await in the noisy hall of my beloved ex-college hall for some decent internet connection and to check out how is the poll counting going on in Permatang Pauh, some thoughts just flowed in my mind.

As Malaysians who awaits the official number of the polls, I wonder whether we are going towards political maturity or just another political tsunami where voter's choice and faith are treated lightly and I might even term as 'trash'. Both sides of the fence promise something really beautiful in words and when they are in power, the task suddenly becomes too big or too complicated to resolve in 'short' duration.

I'm torn in between the two candidates of BN and PR (sorry to leave out Mr. Hanafi) because I believe as much enthusiasm as he possess, he is just a plankton among the whales.

If BN wins and DSAI loses in the by-election, that means DSAI would need to hide his face in the most secluded area of the world due to embarassment and lost of faith by the people of his so-called strong hold in Permatang Pauh. However, if DSAI wins the by-elections and especially with a higher majority, our opposition would garner more firm grasps in Malaysian political arena. Having said that, I hold my doubts how would our country experience this transition period and go through political maturity (which I hope could happen).

Anyhow, I think its fair enough to say that all politicians' hand are not clean in terms to get to where they are now and today. Somewhere along the line, their hands are tied and may have been dirty by others' dirt. Nonetheless, I believe if the motive of these political leaders are always focus on the rakyat and strive to reach "ideal" nation-state, for the good of all Malaysians then I would put my vote to the ballot for this man or woman. It is definitely not easy trying to please anyone and everyone, but as long as the Good For All is preserve then I guess that is as perfect as we can get...for now...

2008 is definitely a wonderful year for Malaysians and definitely for me personally. Reason is because I thought of leaving this country for greener pasture when the chance come to my door step. However, I may re-consider that option as things seems to be GREENER here than before.

Suddenly, 'I have a Dream' by Martin Luther Jr came to mind.

***This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."***

In the context of Malaysia, maybe I could have the liberty to change it to ***This note was a promise that all men, yes, Malay as well as Chinese, Indian, Sikhs, Kadazan, Dusun, Melanau, Lumbawang and the many indigineous people of Malaysia, would be guaranteed the "unalieable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."***

Let's be brave enough to DREAM

MERDEKA..Seriously??

It's been a long long while since I last blog due to work and a change of lifestyle. I've move on to the next phrase in life where an undergraduate becomes a graduate and turns into the corporate worker. Hopefully the turnover would be some sort of caterpillar turning into the beautiful butterfly. Sadly, it's not always like that nor is it always common to be smooth free transition.

Anyway, talking about transition and changes that is happening in my personal life. Our country Malaysia is definitely going through some changes in its own context too. Ever since March 8 of 2008, many people from the analyst to the Pak Cik at the mamak stall are talking about it. You have many 'brave' voices coming out from almost every nook corner of the country. Political party talking about leaving status quo to move on and become more matured (meaning no more race based politics), you have Bar Council organising forum that are deem 'sensitive' by our little fear-ish section of the community and the government giving out monetary 'helps' in Permatang Pauh for 'sudden' development plans. Arrgghh..let's not forget the bravery of undergraduates to march on the streets for certain issues that are said to undermine Malay Supremacy and Islam (referring to the street protest by UiTM and UIA respectively).

Malaysia is indeed going through some interesting times in 2008.

However, I cant stop pondering and wondering, where are we exactly going after 51 years of Independance? Have we truly become the melting pot of races and culture? Are we truly living the slogan of Visit Malaysia Year; Malaysia-Truly Asia? Are we truly harmonious and united or does that only happens few times a year during open houses where FREE food are available?

It depends on what relative scale are we comparing ourselves to actually. What do I mean by that?

I remember being answered by our smart politicians when questions such as those above are asked by me some time ago. They would always compare to countries that are worst off than Malaysia where civil war is happening or happened, corrupted governments that are unable to provide decent living for its citizens, bloody killing happening on the streets and ultimate question always quoted was: 'Adakah saudara mahu perkara 15 MEI berlaku sekali lagi?''translation means 'do you want the incident of 15 May to happen again?'

I believe Malaysia and Malaysians as a whole should be given more credit than that answer because we are better off than the examples I have mentioned.

Each time when the citizens of Malaysia who are enlightened enough want to have a discussion on issues relating to mutual understanding and socio-development, the government officials from various political parties says these are sensitive issues that may incite heated argument. I would not disagree fully with this argument, nonetheless, I believe Malaysians are now more matured to sit and listen and discuss compared to times like 70s or 80s where racial sentiment are not stable yet.

Merdeka means freedom in many ways but largely interpreted as FREE from the dominion of British occupancy and control. However, I opine that it was merely a change of foreigners controlling us to local politicians controlling us to their benefit. For too long has our nation been supress by racial and religion baggages. I would argue that it was so during the late 1950s but HEY!! Malaysia is 51 years old now!! After such a long time, we are (politically) still so much concern about race and religious battle for rights. When someone talks about liberalise the education quota systems, the last bastion of the Malays need to be protected even though there's still 90% more to go. Some body organise talk on Islamic issues that affects the community at large, someone must go ahead to be zealously protecting the religion when the authorise body to do so is quiet. When certain party of the opposition who so happen has Chinese Malaysian majority, the other fraction are scared that their land and welfare are threaten.

It just goes to show we still don't trust each other politically. Why I mention politically is because if all races are not involved in active politics, all these conspiracy theory does not arise. Don't believe me, do some observation.

After 51 years of celebrating Merdeka where all races and culture are bonded to perform to the world to see, showcase our uniqueness and beauty, all the millions that are thrown in to make it wonderful..have we truly enjoyed Merdeka?? Do all citizens who are born under the same Malaysian sun, speak the same Bahasa Melayu, saluting the same Jalur Gemilang treated similarly? Can the 'foreigners' who came from China and India 51 years ago able to say loudly that they are Malaysians without being shout 'balik Cina' or 'balik India'? Can poverty that hits all without relation to race be truly eradicate without special economic policies?

Malaysia has come a long way from what we were and manage to do well in many areas. We are developing and still developing even though certain 'obstacles' exist in our midst. For those who envision a Bangsa Malaysia, Malaysia for Malaysians or whatever terms, please be affirmative in your stand and do not be dismayed because this is the land we shall live and die for. Be the change we envision it to be. Let's carry the race and religion burden together as a nation if its deem rightly to be so otherwise let's just throw it away and progress without the need to be reminded constantly whether you are of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan, Dusun, Murut, Singh, Jawa, Bajau etc descendant. Lets find a common stand where we can truly live together as ONE nation, calling Malaysia as our home and live peacefully with everyone respecting the rights to live and practise its own religion freely without being threatened or showing supremacy and superiority to others who are deem marginalise.

Lets celebrate the coming Merdeka on 31st August and many more years to come as MALAYSIANS and singing Negaraku proudly and upholding the constitution and Rukun Negara with respect and reverance.

Merdeka..Merdeka..Merdeka..Merdeka..Merdeka..Merdeka..Merdeka..

Daulat Tuanku..Daulat Tuanku..
Daulat Tuanku..Daulat Tuanku..
Daulat Tuanku..Daulat Tuanku..
Daulat Tuanku..

University Act to Act UP

Learning Curve of News Strait Times (page H3)on 8th June 2008 (Sunday)wrote an article concerning the University and College University Act 1971 (UUCA) or more fondly known as Akta Universiti dan Kolej Universiti (AUKU) to many local undergrads. The article was written as a responds to the committment of the government to seriously look into the concerns held by student leaders from all walks of ideology. Some want it abolished and some want reviewing, I wonder how many else don't hold an opinion to it.

In my capacity of assisting to shape certain things that happen in this little world of mine called campus, I have my stand on UUCA or AUKU. To me, abolishing this act serves no purpose as what undergrads are not satisfied is not with the whole Act but to certain provisions in it. Undergrads of Malaysia these days have seen the wider and bigger world where educated citizens play the check and balance system as its not easy for politicians to 'screw' their way through and expect the Rakyat to believe just as it is. Education has help us see the wider picture and therefore grow passionate on certain issues which are close to our heart.

Although AUKU doesn't forbid undergrads to express themselves and voice their opinion, the Act does hinder the practise of speaking your mind out as the provisions given are not clear in meanings and the usual problem would arise in its implementation. Certain students from certain ideology (not parties because party does not exist physically in campus;not allowed too =p)face more 'presecution' if I may put it that way when things seem to go otherwise for students on a different ideology when arguments break out.

My concern would be more on promoting undergrads who are aware politically of their surrounding, being passionate on economic issues, fairness in all treatment regardless of race, religion and ethnicity; which to me is what our BN government is thristing for too. Nonetheless, things always look good and presentable on paper, great visions and missions, wonderful phrases to descibe how we see Malaysia in year 2020 BUT my question is WHICH PART OF IMPLEMENTATION can we see that happening?

Questions I would like to raise and ponder in respond:
1.) If NEP was sincere in helping the hardcore poor, how come we still have many poor villages suffering without electricity and water? (Let's not even get started with East Malaysians suffering in the interior)
2.) If equality in economy share is of great concern to surpress poverty, how come policies such as discount rates for Bumiputera ONLY when purchasing property being practice? With logical mind, does a millionaire or billionaire of Bumiputera descend deserve that kind of financial help when compared to the poor farmer in the sawah padi trying to eek a living when both are Bumiputeras?
3.) If our constitution has promise that Malay Special Rights are there to stay, why is the leading party of Malaysia (BN-UMNO) playing the tune to spark racial dissatisfaction when giving public speeches? (Is that necessary?)
4.) If our constitution has promise the freedom of practising the belief/religion you have, why then do government interfere when courts are ruling religious based cases? Shouldn't the matter of religion remain between the believer and his/her GOD; unless and until it causes MAJOR national disunity (which remains subjective to the interpretation of individuals)
5.) If the nation would truly want to progress and develop to compete with other countries, should not Meritrocacy outshine Quota system? Wouldn't we as Malaysians want to see the BEST candidate be in leadership position rather than 'pakar main politik'. I mean I would not mind voting/supporting the best candidate even though he/she is of different ethnicity; be it a Malay, Indian, Chinese etc brother or sister because at the end of the day, we are all Malaysians right?

Price Hike Again??

I believe the nation has been shock again by the price hike announced on such a short notice by our government. What a wonderful way to thank voters who voted in March 08'. Which actually leads me to think whether the cabinet actually appreciates the votes they have attained?

I've two things to comment on the recent price hike, which I would just comment briefly as I believe knowledgable Malaysians would have thought of these few points and might have actually tackled it even deeper.

Firstly, from the economic point of view, I believe the subsidy system is not a long term solution as the government would not be able to sustain growth and efficient management. We can claim that our oil price is the lowest in the region but thinking back, the subsidy only benefits the rich more than the poor. Simple analysis, who uses car that consumes more petrol? Who drives further and longer journeys? Is it the poor fellow who tries to fork a living on a motorcycle or the business man/ government officer who plays golf and sauna every evening? Of course, let's not forget how 'generous' the government has been all these years, giving subsidy to neighbouring countrymen who earns relatively more but spend like lords in Malaysia.
Besides the point above, the society would need to look deeper into the matter as WE need to realise that all these subsidies are from tax payers eventually. The government is not stupid in its planning either. Subsidy would definitely come from another source without us realising. I can't comment further or elaborate much as I don't have the facts with me but thinking along this line would help us see the bigger picture.
White elephant projects need to go, individual MEGA projects need to be more transparent for RAKYAT to know where is our hard earn money going to, special priviledges given to ministers and family need to be reviewed and etc. People in power always have ways and means to cover their ass and its up to YOU AND ME to ensure that doesn't happen. Ask questions and query their actions!!
To conclude my first point, it was time to review (or raise) our petrol price. But read on to my next point....

Secondly, speaking from a voters point of view, I have to say that my confidence in the promises of the current government has been shaken. I admire and respect Pak Lah for who he is but I guess, even he has his downfall (Let me clarify that I'm neither a Tun supporter ok!). Barisan National or Pak Lah has promise that price of petrol would not be raised within the short span if they win the 12th General Elections but shortly after winning with a smaller majority, price of petrol went up with a HUGE percentage if compared to before. Understanding that our economy doesn't permit subsidies to linger too long but my point is that the current government had promise the RAKYAT and it is very dissapointing when I heard about this news. In other words, I come to conclude that our government's promises are just saliva in the air!!
This issue of saliva in the air seems to be common feature in government department. Just to side track awhile ya..I've this experience in University when I question about certain elauns for the student facilatator during orientation. The Vice Chancellor promised to raise the amount from RM100 to RM120 in 2006 and when I question in 2007 (a year later) why the elauns is not out and whether the amount would be as stated in the promise, I was answered very sarcastically by the then TNC who has move on to be the VC in another local Uni that whether we submitted a letter to his office regarding this matter when he was personally there when VC promise it. I was so shocked to hear such reply coming from an academician cum politician in campus because it means that promises made in public, in front of more than 1000 students hold no ground...WTH!!

SO,that's all I have to say on this issue. Our county is going through evolution at the moment and I pray we who are AWAKEN would stear this nation towards betterment. Racial biasness and hatred instilled by the government or our forefathers need to be left behind. We need to de-learn to re-learn. I'm glad to say that I've some good Malay friends who exchange ideas with me during this term as student council Vice President and I would like to just mention a few here; its ironic that these are the people who are labeled opposition in student movement: Hilman and Shahir. We don't always see our points eye to eye (arguing at times) but at least they are honest enough to acknowledge and be frank with me, unlike certain leaders we have.

May ALLAH the almighty, the Alpha and Omega give us blessing to carry on the good fight!!